Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule 1 Drug. This classification indicates psilocybin is an illegal substance with a high potential for abuse, a lack of accepted safety for its use under medical supervision, and has no currently accepted medical treatment use in the U.S.
However, if recent research using psilocybin continues to find validation, its drug classification may need to be reconsidered.
Researchers at The University of South Florida have found low doses of psilocybin are effective in erasing frightening memories in mice. They believe this finding holds hope for sufferers of PTSD, or post traumatic stress disorder.
Psilocybin and Brain Plasticity
Although the researchers cannot explain why psilocybin extinguishes conditioned fear responses in mice, they concluded that it promotes neurogenesis or the growth of new brain cells, and this helps erase previous fearful memories.
“Memory, learning, and the ability to relearn that a once threatening stimuli is no longer a danger absolutely depends on the ability of the brain to alter its connections. We believe that neuroplasticity plays a critical role in psilocybin accelerating fear extinction,” said researcher Dr. Briony Catlow.
Symptoms of PTSD that have been considered psychological (e.g., hyper-vigilance, flashbacks, dissociation) may actually be caused by physiological changes to the brain. By facilitating the brain’s neuroplasticity, psilocybin may help the brain of those with PTSD to alter its connections and release traumatic memories.
Human Trials Coming
The researchers hope to start human psilocybin trials soon. They point out that the low doses of the drug used in the mice studies are believed to cause no alterations in consciousness, and if the mice had any mystical experiences on psilocybin they are keeping mum about it.
Previous research studies revealed that low dose psilocybin use does not change a person’s consciousness or mood state, does not alter blood pressure, heart rate, or emotional excitability. Some future study volunteers may find this disappointing, but it also means psilocybin use for PTSD holds minimal risk of adverse side effects.
Other scientists around the world are studying different treatment uses of psilocybin. They believe it may relieve not only PTSD symptoms but other types of anxiety as well, and may help depressed individuals shift their mental processing in a more positive direction.
Digital Journal; National Library of Medicine
